Collins calls on companies to seek Black contractors as they rebuild in Black communities

State Senator Jacqueline Collins joined Alderman David Moore and other local Black leaders to highlight how requests to have Black contractors help to restore and reopen major chain stores closed in the Auburn Gresham area by looters following a weekend of protests are being ignored. They spoke about the matter at a news conference Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at 11:30 a.m., outside Walgreens, 1213 W. 79 ^th St., to call out the hypocrisy of some retailers.

Structural racism is at the root of the economic inequities black communities continue to experience in Chicago and the rest of the nation. Black lives matter, Black communities matter, Black businesses matter, Black opportunities matter. Black officials and the Black community invite the business community to work together with us to fight inequity.

Picture above (front row, from left to right): 17th Ward Alderman David Moore, Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger (Faith Community of St. Sabina), State Representative Kambium Buckner (D-26), State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16), Carlos Nelson (Greater Auburn Gresham CDC), State Representative Mary E. Flowers (D-31).